Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI)

Details

Published: March 1, 2013

The new laws open the possibility for foreign investors who have regular input into national territory through a transfer of capital, job creation or purchase of real estate, to apply for a residence permit for investment activity.

The holders of Golden Residence Permit for Investment Activity have the right to family regrouping, and may gain access to a permanent residence permit, as well as to Portuguese citizenship in accordance to the current legal provisions.

ARI - the Golden Residence Permit Programme is developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Department of Consular Affairs and the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency (AICEP), and the Ministry of Internal Administration through the Immigration and Border Service (SEF).

Objectives

Promote foreign investment; Provide opportunities to live and travel in a space of security; bring people together; give and take in a fair and balanced manner.

Who may apply

Non European Union member states nationals who want to pursue an investment activity in Portugal. The programme also covers shareholders of companies already set up in Portugal or in another EU member state with a stable presence in Portugal.When the requirements are met through a company, the investor’s equity share is applied to assess its fulfillment.

Requirements

Capital transfer of an amount equal to or above 1 million Euros.

Creation of, at least, 10 jobs.

Acquisition of real estate with a value equal to or above 500.000 Euros.

Duration of the Programme

The Golden Residence Permit will be given temporarily for an initial period of one year, renewable for two consecutive periods of two years. After the initial five year period, the investor may ask for the renewal of the temporary residence permit for consecutive periods of two years or may apply for a permanent residence permit, which may lead to Portuguese citizenship.

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